Name: Maria Teresa Carreon

Gender: Female

Nickname: Bhal

Civil Status: Married

Age: 32

Occupation: Secretary

My Story

1.     Why did you decide to leave the Philippines?

I just gave birth three months ago to a twin, and unfortunately my husband is not giving any support for my three kids. Our eldest, six-year old, was diagnosed to have Rheumatic Heart Disease two years back and she has to undergo medication until she reached 21 years of age. She is maintained on Penadur IM every three weeks which should always be on the budget. One of our twins was diagnosed having Congenital Disease with two holes in the heart which needs operation until he reached two years of age. The other twin has also undescended testis. Basically my children are my reason why I decided to leave the country and find luck overseas.

2.     How did you get your current job and how did you leave the Philippines?

Two weeks right after my delivery, I went to Manila to find my luck. Luckily, that time a representative of my current employer was there and selected me. I also tried my luck in POEA and after I week I was interviewed by representative of MOH in Saudi Embassy in Makati and selected as Medical Secretary in King Fahad Military Hospital in Riyadh. Though I was almost half processing my papers for Saudi Arabia, the last minute I changed my mind and continue my application in Qatar because my husband was going there also. I disregard my position and salary just to be with him, hoping he would change his ways for our kids. Placement fee in my agency cost P31,500 which I loaned from a lending firm totaling more than P38,000 for two months installment.

3.     When did you arrive in your current location?

I was booked on the 11^th of June but sad to say my placement fee wasn’t settled yet so I was rebooked until I got money to pay my agency. June 22, 2006, 7 pm when I arrived in Doha Qatar.

4.     What were your most memorable moments in your current location?

Construction sites are everywhere in Doha. We are one contractor of the New Doha International Airport where our sites offices are located. Three double story port cabins are in the middle of the dessert. Since my department has no scanner, Xerox machines, I need to run from adjacent offices. It is summer time in Middle East at these with all the humidity and hotness. Imagine walking under the sun in that period time?

5.     Tell us what has happened during your stay in this country you have worked in.

I still don’t have much story to this place since I am barely one month but I consider this experience working in a construction firm encouraging & additional knowledge to me though it is far from my recent field (Medical Secretary).

6.     What are the things that you miss about the Philippines?

I really miss my kids especially my twins, they are still too young to leave upon my aunt’s care. I know they will be taken care of very well but mother’s touch is still the best. I know time will come that I would be beside them but for now, I need to work for their future and for their health.

7.     What is your message to all OFWs around the world?

Love your family especially your kids, never neglect them, they are your mirror. Let them look up to you with dignity, honor and respect. Take care of them while they are still young, so when you get old, they would do the same. Show them good example in life for them to cherish and carry on through their lives. Be strong, what ever trials you met on your way, face with courage, others’ life depend on you, YOUR KIDS. THERE IS NO EMPTINESS OF SOUL EVER FOR THOSE WHOSE LIFE IS DEVOTED TO GOD.

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